Financial Planning Basics
Starting points for retirement budgeting in plain language: where the money goes, which bills have senior pricing, and where to find your benefits.
Start with the fixed bills
Housing, utilities, phone and banking fees are the bills that show up every month, and several of them have senior pricing or senior account options. Canada’s big banks all offer discounted accounts for customers 60+, and the difference can be a monthly fee that drops to zero.
Stack the small savings
One discount day rarely changes a budget. A weekly pharmacy day, a grocery seniors day, senior transit fares and a bank account with no fees together can add up to real money over a year.
Your government benefits
Pensions, benefits and credits are a separate topic, and an important one. Service Canada publishes the official details on CPP, OAS, GIS and provincial programs.